Sunday, April 8
With bonus sightseeing from the bus
After traveling from Amsterdam on Friday and exploring London on Saturday, we're going back home today!


We got up around 6.30 and handed in our keycard at the desk before getting our complimentary English Breakfast in the hotel's restaurant, that opened at 7.00 a.m.


At 7.30 we walked to the tube and traveled underground to Victoria Station.


From there it's a 15 minute walk to the Coach Station for our bus to Amsterdam.


We checked in around 8.15 and the passengers were divided over two busses; one would go to Brussels/Amsterdam, the other to Rotterdam/The Hague.

On our way out of London, the bus passed all the sights, so I couldn't resist making touristy pictures. Get ready, set.... go! (I hope I got all the names right;)


Westminster Abbey (Western facade)


Westminster Abbey (the Old Palace)


Westminster Central Hall (Church)


The Clock Tower (with Big Ben) and Houses of Parliament (the New Palace)


Close up of the Clock Tower. (Big Ben is the name of the largest bell;)


The River Thames and a bit of the Londen Eye.


Bye, Houses of Parliament!


Aaaaaaaaaand a bit more of the London Eye:)


Just because I liked the look of it: The Mad Hatter Hotel.


The Tower of London and Towerbridge


Towerbridge


Bye, Tower of London!

After about two hours(?) we arrive at the Channel Tunnel.


Heehee: France, straight ahead!
While we were waiting for our timeslot on the train, our busdriver tried to repair his broken windshield wiper, but failed. So we were transfered onto the other bus which meant we wouldn't make a shortcut, but had to travel through Rotterdam and The Hague before Amsterdam. We didn't mind, because we were very glad we didn't have to wait for another bus. Both drivers were so very courteous and made sure all the passengers and their luggage were transfered without any problems.

After everything was settled, it was time to board and the bus drove right up on the platform...


This train only has compartments for cars, trucks and busses. Passengers don't have to leave their own vehicle. So cool.


No need for windows when going through the tunnel, but there was a tiny window right below me, so I could see the tracks when we started to move.
Hans did get out the bus for a bit to take pictures. The doors in between compartments are pressurized, but you can go through them if you want to go to the on board toilet. The busdriver took a little break and stretched out on two passenger seats:)


After half an hour we arrived in France; the compartment opens up and the bus can drive right out onto the road! Did I already mention how cool this was?


We're in France! With a long drive ahead of us...


This is Brussels! Driving up Treurenberg hill.


The St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral
(Kathedraal van Sint-Michiel en Sint-Goedele)


Look: behind the trees in the distance you can see The Atomium!


Around six p.m. we had a break just before the border at roadside stop Hazeldonk. There are several restaurants there, we had dinner at the McDonalds;)


Back on the bus for the last part of our trip.


We arrived in Amsterdam around 9 p.m., 45 minutes earlier than scheduled. Hans accompanied me on the metro from Amsterdam Amstel to Duivendrecht...


... where I took the train back to Zwolle:) (I finished rereading part four in the Nightrunner series, yay!)


Home sweet home. All the goodies I collected \o/

The end.

It was a great trip. I don't recommend the nightbus if you need sleep to function, but it worked quite well for us:)